Councilman Rallies Support to Block Townhouse Development

Bloomfield township Councilman Nicholas Joanow is urging residents to show support for Bloomfield’s purchase of the Scientific Glass/Liongate property.

In a letter to residents, Joanow notes the Council is considering a resolution that would start negotiations for the purchase of the property off Broad Street opposite Glen Ridge Parkway. 

Joanow said the current developer of the property plans to build 104 townhouses there. Joanow termed the proposal “particularly disturbing” in consideration of the site’s pre-existing problems with flooding and the possibility of serious river bank erosion for homeowners and businesses bordering the Third river.

“If the township is able to acquire the property, a number of important issues would be minimized or eliminated,” Joanow said in an email. “Currently, the township is 98 percent developed - purchasing this property would provide recreational opportunities as well as other amenities that are desperately needed by our residents.”

Joanow said that in addition to flooding there could be negative impact on schools.

“With 104 townhouses ranging in size from 1500 to 2100 square feet per unit the potential for a substantial number of new children attending our local schools is significant,” Joanow said. “With all of our schools north of Bay Avenue at full capacity, the only options available would be redistricting or trailers, either of which would further jeopardize real estate values.”

Joanow said the students from proposed development would be directed to Brookdale School. Joanow said that trailers are already being used at Franklin Elementary School due to overcrowding and warns that they might be needed for Brookdale.